FEATURE: Julian Lee’s Comedy Promoters: Rib Ticklers

Julian Lee takes a quick look at the history and future of one of Hartlepool’s best comedy nights

By Julian Lee
on Thursday, May 14th, 2015

As these features are based on the North East comedy scene I thought I’d start with our friends in Hartlepool, Rib Ticklers, to ensure there’s no Newcastle-centric bias. Rib Ticklers is held at Flix Movie Cafe (@FlixMovieCafe), a great venue well worth checking out in its own right; it has a lovely feel to it, with the options of playing in the bar or the more intimate screening room. There’s also the option of ordering food to eat whilst the comics perform. Nick Banks (@nickbanks15) books, promotes and comperes the gigs. He likes to get a balance between established acts, up and comers, solid open slots and still make it a vehicle for brand new comics to perform. As he’s worked hard to establish his night, he has a loyal following who appreciate good stand-up and have a warmth for those who are just starting out. Need an example? On my last visit there, a comic making his debut had an issue with a “limp mic” but the audience got him through the experience.

Rib Ticklers has been going just over four years; Nick started the night as the only gig in town was on a large scale at the Town Hall and he felt Hartlepool could do with another comedy outlet but on a smaller, more intimate scale. Over the years he’s had some pretty impressive comics play Rib Ticklers, including Chris Ramsey, Gavin Webster and Sara Pascoe. Another familiar name, Nathan Caton, who has plenty of TV credits, including spots on Mock The Week, is playing on 31st May.

However, as previously mentioned, Rib Ticklers is also about helping new comics and Nick is proud that early open slots such as Nina Gilligan, Fran Garrity, Monty Burns and Matt Fong have gone on to be regulars on the circuit.

Don’t forget, Nathan Caton plays on Sunday 31st May so why not Tweet Nick for ticket details…? Remember, it’s only half an hour drive from Newcastle as well.